Umm Al Quwain, United Arab Emirates: travel guide
Quiet emirate of mangrove lagoons, a dhow harbour and an old fort
The UAE's quietest emirate — a nostalgic throwback where old fishing dhows bob by a crumbling fort, flamingos wade in shallow lagoons and the pace of life feels a generation removed from Dubai.
About Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain is the quietest of the UAE's emirates, an unhurried coastal place where fishing dhows sit by an old fort and the pace feels a generation removed from Dubai. Its old town and fort, which houses the local museum, are the main historical sights.
The water is the real attraction. Mangrove creeks and the lagoon around Khor Al Beidah are good for kayaking and birdwatching, with flamingos and herons often in the shallows, and Al Sinniyah Island is a protected area for birds. Dreamland Aqua Park is the main family attraction, and fresh seafood is a local strength.
Umm Al Quwain suits travellers who want a slower look at Gulf life, usually as a day trip or short stay between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. The cooler months, October to April, are the most comfortable.
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Currency
- AED
- Time zone
- Asia/Dubai
- Nearest airport
- SHJ
Last updated
Top places to visit in Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain National Museum
Museum · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · entry AED 4 (≈ ₹100)
Museum inside the restored 18th-century fort displaying archaeological finds from Ed-Dur and old town relics.
Umm Al Quwain Fort & Old Town
historic fort · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The 18th-century fort at the UMQ peninsula tip houses the local museum. The surrounding old town of wind-tower houses is one of the most authentic and unrestored traditional neighbourhoods in the UAE. Pelicans, cormorants and flamingos…
Khor Al Beidah
Nature · 3.9 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Vast tidal mudflat and lagoon that is one of the UAE's most important sites for migratory shorebirds.
Palma Beach
Beach · 4.1 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Quiet family beach resort strip on the UAQ peninsula with shallow water and views across the lagoon.
UAQ Marine Club Beach
Beach · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Calm lagoon-side beach and watersports base on the Umm Al Quwain peninsula popular for jet-ski and kayaking.
Al Sinniyah Island & Lagoon UMQ
nature reserve island · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A protected nature reserve island in the UMQ mangrove lagoon, accessible only by kayak. One of the Gulf's largest sea turtle nesting sites (hawksbill, May–Oct), a Socotra cormorant colony and abundant winter flamingos. Guided kayak tours…
Things to do
- Dreamland Aqua Park Water Sports · 6 h · from AED 69 per person
- UMQ Lagoon Kayaking & Flamingo Watching Water Sports · 3 h · from AED 58 per person
- UAQ Mangrove & Flamingo Kayak Adventure · 2.5 h · from AED 160 per person
Where to stay in Umm Al Quwain
- UMQ Old Town & Lagoon about AED 380 per night
Only sensible base in UMQ — Flamingo Beach Resort on the lagoon with flamingo birdwatching. Genuinely off-the-beaten-path even by UAE standards.
Hotels
- Flamingo Beach Resort 4-star · AED 300 to AED 750 per night
- Palma Beach Resort & Spa 4-star · AED 350 to AED 600 per night
Where to eat
- Al Senbok Seafood seafood, emirati · about AED 55 per person
- Dreamland Beach Restaurant international, grills · about AED 45 per person
- Aquarius Restaurant UAQ International, Middle Eastern · about AED 110 per person
- Palma Beach Restaurant Seafood, International · about AED 120 per person
Getting to Umm Al Quwain
Airport: Umm Al Quwain (SHJ)
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
- Walking
More in United Arab Emirates
Frequently asked questions about Umm Al Quwain
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Umm Al Quwain?
- The highest-rated places in our Umm Al Quwain guide are Umm Al Quwain Fort & Old Town, Al Sinniyah Island & Lagoon UMQ, Umm Al Quwain National Museum, UAQ Marine Club Beach, Palma Beach.
- Where should I stay in Umm Al Quwain?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Umm Al Quwain: UMQ Old Town & Lagoon.
- How do I get around Umm Al Quwain?
- Ways to get around Umm Al Quwain covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Umm Al Quwain?
- The nearest airport to Umm Al Quwain has the code SHJ.